Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Keene State College

Keene State's nursing program graduates earn about $75,000 in their first year—roughly matching the national average but trailing the New Hampshire median by nearly $2,000. Within the state, this program sits in the 40th percentile, meaning six of New Hampshire's nine nursing programs deliver stronger early earnings. Graduates from Southern New Hampshire University, for instance, earn over $10,000 more annually, while even UNH-Main Campus edges ahead by about $2,300.

The debt load of $27,000 is reasonable and matches both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.36 debt-to-earnings ratio. The bigger concern is the near-flat earnings trajectory—just 2% growth over four years suggests graduates may hit their ceiling quickly or face limited advancement opportunities compared to peers at other New Hampshire schools.

Given the small sample size (under 30 graduates), these numbers warrant skepticism. However, the pattern of underperformance relative to other New Hampshire nursing programs is hard to ignore. If your child can gain admission to UNH, Saint Anselm, or Southern New Hampshire, those programs show meaningfully stronger outcomes. Keene State could work if location or admission considerations matter most, but the earnings data suggests it's not the value leader among New Hampshire's nursing options.